Toyota will reveal the next-gen RAV4 on May 20 which is expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships later this year as a 2026 model. With more than 475,000 units of the compact SUV sold here last year, the incoming sixth-generation RAV4 has a lot riding on it as it must maintain its position as America’s best-selling SUV.
Based on the official teasers and recent media reports, here are 7 features/aspects we’re watching out for in the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid:
1. Bold Design
While reviewing the 2025 RAV4 Hybrid, we felt that the design still holds up, despite the recipe turning 7 this year. However, recent spy shots of test prototypes from the U.S. confirm that the Toyota designers have not taken an evolutionary route for the redesign.
As shown in our exclusive renderings in this article, the new RAV4 will opt for a bold ‘perforated’ grille, large Y-Shaped character line on the side profile, front design in the ‘Hammerhead’ format, and flashy C-Shaped DRLs.
2. New Digital Cockpit
Official teasers confirm that the interior has been reimagined, with no carryover parts. The dashboard takes on a horizontal layout with a squared, fully-digital instrument cluster with what looks like customizable widgets.
Unlike its Korean competitors that feature a curved panoramic display, the touchscreen infotainment system in the new RAV4 exists separately, and appears to be a slightly larger unit than the current 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system. The steering wheel is also different from recent Toyota designs, and the layout of the buttons looks more ergonomic.
3. Better Bucket Seats
During our time with the electrified RAV4, we felt that the lumbar and under-thigh support of the front seats were comfortable. That said, the cushioning of the front seats could be better. Teasers confirm that Toyota has redesigned the bucket seats, and it’s a different unit from the one in the new Camry. The headrest appears wider, and it comes with a horizontal trim below the shoulder area.
4. New Appointments, Trim & Upholstery
Teasers reveal that Toyota has upped the look of the cabin, adding a tinge of premiumness to the interior. The gear selector, which is a conventional stalk in the current model, takes on a sleek, electric shaver-like design. We also notice a layered dashboard design, metallic accents around the climate control panel and armrest, a neon key under the hazard lamp switch, and richer upholstery on the seats.
5. TSS 3.0
Toyota is expected to upgrade the safety suite of the RAV4 from Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 to 3.0 with the redesign. 3.0 introduces a wider-angle camera and better radar, detects more objects in low light, includes Proactive Driving Assist for gentle braking and steering, improves Lane Tracing Assist for smoother centering, expands Road Sign Assist, enhances radar cruise control response, and introduces Emergency Driving Stop.
6. ‘Adventure’ Variant
Japanese outlet Best Car has learned from sources that the next-gen RAV4 will come in an ‘Adventure’ variant. While details are sparse, we expect it to build on the Woodland Edition with TRD-Tuned suspension, bronze TRD flow-formed alloy wheels, Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail all-terrain tires, activity mount, roof rails with cross bars, and a more capable ‘Trail Mode’ driving setting.
7. Proven Powertrain
We expect Toyota to continue with the proven 2.5-liter ‘Dynamic Force’ engine in the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants. In the current model, the Hybrid delivers a combined EPA rating of up to 40 mpg, while the Plug-in Hybrid offers up to 42 miles of EV mode range and 38 mpg combined once the battery is depleted. The system output is 219 hp in the Hybrid and 302 hp in the Plug-in Hybrid.
For the 2026 model, we expect further improvements in EV mode range, better noise insulation, and reduced vibration levels for a quieter, more refined highway driving experience. Toyota has confirmed the development of a next-gen 1.5L engine, but it is expected to find application in the next-gen Corolla family, and other smaller global Toyota vehicles.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
